g completed, the boys asked
permission of the adjutant to stand outside the wall and watch for the
mail.

"All right, sergeants," said the adjutant; "there is no further duty
for you to perform to-day."

Frank and Henry ran through the postern, and arrived on the crest of
the bluff overlooking the Prescott road just as a horseman turned up
the height. The news that the La Paz courier had arrived spread
rapidly through the quarters, and every man not on duty appeared
outside the walls.

Joining the boy sergeants, I said, "Boys, if you want to drop the job
of opening and closing the gates, it can hereafter be done by the
guard."

"Thank you, sir. We took the job, and we'll stick to it," replied
Sergeant Frank.

"I wonder if Samson could lift those gates as easily as he did the
gates of Gaza?" questioned Henry, seating himself on a log which had
been rejected in the building and taking Vic's head in his lap and
fondling her silken ears.

"We can't remain here much longer," said Frank; "I think this express
will bring an order for us to go to San Francisco."

"Very likely. No doubt life here is not very enjoyable for boys."

"I should say not," said Henry, "for we can't look outside the fort
unless a dozen soldiers are along for fear the Apaches 'll get us."

"But you can go to Prescott."

"Prescott!" in a tone of great contempt; "twenty-seven log cabins and
five stores, and not a boy in the place--only a dozen Pike County,
Missouri, girls."

"And we can't go there with any comfort since Texas Dick and Jumping
Jack stole Sancho and Chiquita," added Frank.

Further conversation on this subject was temporarily interrupted by
the arrival of the expressman. A roan bronco galloped up the slope,
bearing a youthful rider wearing a light buck-skin suit and a soft
felt hat with a narrow brim. He was armed with a breech-loading
carbine and two revolvers, and carried, attached to his saddle, a roll
of blankets, a haversack, and a mail-pouch.

Dismounting, he detached the pouch, at the same time answering
questions and giving us items of news later than any contained in his
despatches.

After handing his pouch to the quartermaster-sergeant, his eyes fell
upon the boy sergeants.

"I saw Texas Dick and Juan Brincos at Cisternas Negras," he said,
addressing them.

"My! Did you, Mr. Hudson?" exclaimed Henry, springing to his feet and
approaching the courier. "Did they have our ponies?"

"You know I never saw your p